Church centenary needs YOUR help

NORTH Anston Methodist Church is preparing for its centenary celebrations next month - and needs YOUR help.

An exhibition full of memories from the past 100 years will be set up in the church over the weekend of Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th March.

It will be officially opened at 10.30am on the Saturday 9th by Superintendent Minister Rev Peter Sheasby.

Later that evening the celebration will continue at a centenary concert, with Double Octave set to perform at 7.30pm.

Officials are keen to hear from anyone who was married or christened at the church - or attended any of the clubs or group that are held there.

Jim Hardy, of the church’s social outreach group said: “Plans are moving forward to make the centenary a memorable event therefore we are searching for past friends who used to attend chapel or have been associated in any way.”

“Were you married or were your children christened at the chapel, did you attend Sunday School, were you a Sunday School Queen or in the Girls Brigade? If so, then please let us now.”

“Around the outside walls are many names of which we do not know of, therefore we wonder is there anyone out there who may be related or can help us in any way.”

“If there is anyone, we are looking for old photographs of events, weddings or any stories related to the chapel which would be of interest to display in an exhibition.”

The church is home to a host of groups including the Girls Brigade, The Wells Singers, Shoe Box Drop In Centre and Messy Place.

The building as it stands today, on the Wells, off Main Street, was originally planned as the school room with the main church due to be built at a later date. But due to costs, the development was abandoned.

A small extension was later built to the rear along with a number of alterations inside.

Anyone who can assist with the exhibition, no matter how small, should contact any member of the social outreach group - Elsie Daniels on 564774, Sue Boyles on 567159, Jeanette Street on 563614, chairman Margaret Moore on 550071 or Jim Hardy on 563079.

Tickets for the concert are £6 and are available from Jim on 01909 563079. A donation will be made to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.